La Liga PHOTOS: Atletico record shock loss at Almeria; Real top table

La Liga PHOTOS: Atletico record shock loss at Almeria; Real top table

Karim Benzema struck twice as Real Madrid went to the top of La Liga with a 4-2 win over Villarreal on Saturday while midfielder Verza's double gave Almeria a shock 2-0 victory over Atletico Madrid.

There was no way through for Atletico who lacked creativity and inspiration against an Almeria side that defended well.

Diego Simeone's men were reduced to speculative shots while 13th-placed Almeria threatened on the counter attack as the game wore on, with Aleix Vidal hitting a post before Verza put the hosts ahead 10 minutes from the end.

Dani Aranzubia was then dismissed for upending Jonathan Zongo in the penalty area and Verza scored from the spot with four minutes to go.

"We faced a side that did what they had to do. In the first half we made chances to score," Simeone said.

We are not going to make any excuses: Simeone

"This is what happens in football and we are not going to make any excuses."

Atletico suffered their first defeat since October when they were defeated by Real Madrid in the first leg of their King's Cup semi-final on Wednesday and the strain of that match seemed to take its toll on the team against Almeria.

The visitors struggled to create and a couple of Diego shots from the edge of the penalty area that went narrowly wide was the best they could offer in the first half.

Benzema brace takes Real Madrid atop table

Gareth Bale marked his Real Madrid return after injury with the opening goal and the Wales winger then set up Benzema to give the home side a commanding lead, only to see Mario Gaspar reply for Villarreal before the break.